Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

Within walking distance to the souq, next to the Corniche Promenade, the Museum of Islamic Art is well worth visiting. Every Thursday and Saturday starting 2p.m., you may join their highlight guided tour for free if you are in a hurry. The tour takes 40 minutes. The museum features glass, metalwork, fabric, ceramics and manuscripts from ancient to modern times. You also have a choice of quick bite in the museum cafe or fine dining at the IDAM Restaurant with their alcohol-free menu designed by the Michelin 3-star chef Alain Ducasse.

The Corniche Promenade

The Corniche Promenade or Doha Corniche is a 7km long boulevard lined with palms and greens together with modern architecture along the sea front. Al Corniche Street, parallel to the Doha Corniche, join the Hamad International Airport to the West Bay new business district. This promenade is loved by joggers and anyone who enjoy a pleasant walk along the sea. Monuments like The Pearl, landmarks like Qatar National Theatre and Museum of Islamic Art, modern skyscrapers, parks and playground can be all found along here. Don’t forget to take an evening boat trip to enjoy the wonderful skyline of Doha.

Gold Souk

Gold Souq, a souk that is full of gold, pearl and jewellery. Completed in 2012, the new Gold Souq follows the traditional Qatari architectural design, the two-storey building provides premises to over 40 jewellers. A must-see no matter if you love golden jewellery or not.

Katara Cultural Village

Located next to the Katara Beach, Katara is a unique cultural place rich with many arts displays events. It functions as a city hall which hosts different cultural events and art festivals, both free and paid. Completed in 2008, the beautiful Katara Amphitheater is a must-see. It combines both classic Greek theatre idea and Islamic features under the blue sky of Qatar. The Katara beach and cafes are also great choices for relaxing too.

Qatar National Museum

The Fariq Al Salatah Palace, formerly Museum of Heritage, is now surrounded by a new and modern structure to form the current Qatar National Museum. Award winning architecture Jean Nouvel was hired to design a brand new face for it. Travellers s who arrive from the airport may be puzzled by this big ring of interlocking discs pavilions occupying over 1 million square foot of space, not knowing that it houses both the history and modern life of Qatar. Those who are interested in the traditional dhows (vessels with one or more masts and lateen sails that used in Arabian region) should not miss this museum too.

The museum is undergoing construction and schedule to open in early 2016.

Clothing

The general rule is not to show too much skin in public places, as a courtesy to both Qataris and Muslims. For both men and women, tops should cover the shoulders and upper arms. Shorts or skirts should at least cover the knees. Women do not necessarily cover their hair. Though it is particularly important to be modest in the Holy month of Ramadan.

Beachwear and swim suits are for hotel beaches only.

Postal Services

There are over 200 post boxes in Qatar. You can easily find them in museums and tourist attractions like Katara. See list of QPost branches here. More information can be found at Qpost.

Souq Waqif is certainly the most attractive and vibrant souq in Doha, not to mention its historical status. It’s not just a tourist attraction but locals come to look for traditional Qatari goods as well. (See “What can you buy in Souq Waqif“) However, there are souqs that specialize in different merchandise which also make them one of a kind. Here are some other souqs.

Falcon Souq

The Falcon Souq is yet another amazing experience that you shouldn’t miss. Falconry is one of the favourite hobbies of Qatari men. It can get rather obsessive. In Falcon Souq, you can buy anything from the falcons to all rearing and training equipment.

Gold Souq

The Gold Souq is very close to Souq Waqif. A few of the shops still sell bullion though most other shops focus on gold and silver jewellry with or without precious stones. All golden jewellery sold has a government stamp to prove its purity. It’s well worth a visit even you don’t intent to buy. The shopkeepers are not pushy.

Omani Souq

Â Located behind the Salwa Central Market, Omani Souq is small yet comprehensive. It sells a big range of goods – from spices, nuts and dried fish, to perfume and incense burners. Camel sticks and other household items can be found here too.

Another Souq Waqif, Al Wakrah

After the big success of the original Souq Waqif in Al Jasra, the government has decided to replicate it and build another one in Al Wakrah. It was designed to be a mix of the original Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village.

Besides being a shopping paradise for tourists and locals, it is also home to dozens of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines, together with Shisha lounges. No matter you are tourists who stay in Qatar a few days to someone who has a few hours during transit, pop in to the souq to have a drink or a meal. Sit by the road to absorb the atmosphere of the souq. You won’t be disappointed.

Qatari Cuisine

Al Tawash – You are in Qatar. You’ve got to try Qatari cuisine. Al Tawash serves traditional Qatari food, including shisha. Ask the friendly waiters for recommendations if you have no idea what to order. Both indoor seating and Bedouin tent are available.

Mediterranean cuisine

Le Gourmet Restaurant – quality Mediterranean food and international cuisine. Perfect for group with different preferences. Good seating (indoor, outdoor and rooftop). Shisha is served too.

Iraqi Cuisine

Syrian Cuisine

Damasca – Damasca is one of the biggest restaurants in Souq Waqif. It has 2 floors including a roof terrace. Indoor is perfect for hot day while in the evening the outdoor roof terrace is a better choice. There are TVs for sport and live bands and dancers provide various entertainment in the evening.

There is a mix review online about the services – most people are happy while some have experienced indifferent waiters. Some people also find it pricey but food is generally good. (Website)

Indian Cuisine:

Royal Tandoor – it specializes in the old Awadhi cuisine, and the decoration is superb too.